Reds Notes: Votto, Madson, Rolen

Much of the recent chatter surrounding the Reds has focused on a possible extension for Brandon Phillips. Here are a few links about Phillips' teammates as Spring Training gets started in Goodyear, Arizona…

Joey Votto said he prefers to keep contract talk to himself, his agent and the Reds, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “As much as people, players want to say, ‘no, it’s not a distraction.’ It’s exhausting. It’s a lingering issue," he said, before making reference to Prince Fielder 's new deal. Last month I suggested it could cost upwards of $160MM in additional commitments to keep Votto in a Reds uniform through 2020

Reds closer Ryan Madson told ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick that he remains a Scott Boras client.“I plan on being with Scott for the foreseeable future,” Madson said. “Everything is the same." Madson signed for $8.5MM this offseason — less than originally anticipated.

Scott Rolen told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com that he’s focused on the upcoming season, not whether he’ll continue playing beyond 2012. The third baseman turns 37 in April and is entering the final year of his contract.

His name is Votto and the only way he’d come to Toronto would be on a free agent contract. I don’t see Toronto trading a ton of prospects for him when they’d have a fair shot at him on the open market and probably can’t make playoffs this season anyways due to their rotation. Sorry bro.

If they won’t go over 5 years, they won’t get Joey Votto as a FA either. So if they are really set on wanting Votto, the only way is to trade for him and then extend him. I don’t see it happening, especially this year. The Reds are looking to make a run at a World Series, not dump their best player.

That would make little sense. You don’t trade for a guy like Mat Latos and bail out on trying to win at the first sign of trouble. Sure after this season they’ll have to start thinking about their future with Votto but I think they have a legit chance to take the NL Central this year.

Everyone can have hope this time of the year. It’s part of the game. I think the team that will really surprise (but not really) are the Braves. I am a big Reds fan but I see that team growing quickly.

Votto has had two consecutive ~7 WAR seasons and has the highest career OPS in Reds franchise history. Pujols is in the highest possible class in baseball history, but I think Votto is on his way to Cooperstown.

Your right, he can’t help it. But the fact that he has played for a shorter period doesn’t mean you can assume he will replicate his career years for a good chunk of the rest of his career. If he puts up those numbers for 2-3 more years, then he would be in the same class as Pujols or Cabrera.

If you were to put a bet on which player were to put up a .350/.425/.600 line next year, Votto would not have the same odds as Pujols or Cabrera. He’s capable of it, but no as likely as those two.